Literary Fiction· United States
Novels (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Benito Cereno)
by Herman MelvilleAggregate Editorial Score35/100
#15,284of 99,626 books
Kirkus Reviews
Published 1990English
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When Herman Melville published Novels (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Benito Cereno) in 1990, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Novels (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Benito Cereno) (1990) establishes Herman Melville as a significant voice in literary fiction, weaving together themes of identity, memory, and transformation.
Book Details
About the Category
📖 Literary Fiction
Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.
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🇺🇸 United States
This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from United States →Editorial Assessment
First published in 1990, Herman Melville's Novels (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Benito Cereno) is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with the human condition gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre.
The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 35/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals.
What distinguishes Novels (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Benito Cereno) is how it handles its central concerns — the human condition — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it.
Novels (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Benito Cereno) reflects Herman Melville's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
Kirkus Reviews
notable · national
199035
Herman Melville is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of adventure.
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